We have recently discovered that we have Asperger's Syndrome in our family history.  Though I don't want to reveal too many personal details, I believe it's important to share some of the information I've learned about this autism spectrum disorder as it may be helpful to someone else.  I don't plan to post on this topic again, but if you have any questions you can email me.

Asperger's Syndrome, or "AS", is the highest functioning end of the autism spectrum.  It has been around for centuries but was not given a name until the 1980s.  So there are many undiagnosed adults walking around with AS.  You probably know a few!  They may simply seem quirky or they may come across as rude, insensitive, egotistical, or uncaring.  But these can be unfair labels because adults with AS may have no idea how they come across to others.  They have a neurological disorder that prevents them from naturally being able to pick up on social cues and nonverbal language, and prevents them from understanding another person's perspective.

Some symptoms that may be present:

1.  Talk on and on about a particular subject without realizing others are yawning, trying to walk away, or are not interested.

2.  Are 'brutally' honest and say what they think without regard for others'  feelings.

3.  Cannot take criticism well and cannot agree to disagree.  They often feel attacked in conversations.

4.  May not give praise or compliments and may have trouble receiving compliments, too.

5.  Have a lack of empathic response--may show little concern when someone is ill or distressed.  May walk right past someone who is crying.

6.  May not have close relationships with friends or family members and may have a hard time keeping friends.

7.  Have intense interests (or obsessions) with particular topics or hobbies, and those interests may change over time.

These are just a few of the signs of AS and not everyone with AS has all the symptoms (google Asperger's Syndrome to read more).  This is a developmental disorder, so as a person ages they often adapt and learn/memorize proper social behavior.

AS is hereditary.  If one person in a family has it you shouldn't have to look far in the family tree to find others with characteristics of it.  It is diagnosed in children best between the ages of 6-11.  The child will not fit in with peers.  They may be bullied and teased or may be the aggressor/bully because they don't understand the unwritten social rules of behavior and conversations that most (neuro-typical) people naturally understand.

I have read nearly a dozen books on AS and there are a few I highly recommend if you want to learn more.

Best General Overview:  "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome" by Tony Attwood (the leading expert in this field)

Best Parenting Book:  "Finding Your Child's Way on the Autism Spectrum" by Dr. Laura Hendrickson (a Biblical counselor and mom to an autistic son)

Best Relationships Book: "Asperger's Syndrome and Long Term Relationships" by Ashley Stanford (an NT wife of an Asperger's man)

And the online newsletter for Nouthetic (Biblical) Counseling published an article on the legitimacy of autism as a neurological disorder in January:  http://www.christiancounseling.com/en/art/544/